For many, this is a bucket list item on the to see agenda. The small Island with is “One Happy Island” slogan is certainly an interesting place to visit. The population of Aruba is quite small at around 120,000 people. The island economy is likely based on tourism as it does not produce a much other than Aloe products. Internet is decent as is the local water. Without any fresh water source, Aruba uses Reverse Osmosis with holding and distribution tanks in various locations. Power is mostly derived from fossil fuels although there are some solar and wind sources around.
The weather, wind, and water is what most go for with kite surfing on the northern side and a good selection of nice beaches along the southern. Surprisingly, Aruba is actually quite dry. Step away from the water’s edge and the contrast is extreme. Desert landscape with rock and cacti are everywhere inland and along many of the shores resulting in some pretty stunning views and coves but a 4×4 is recommended especially if you plan to go through Arikok park.
There is much to see if one takes the time to check it out. Traveling to the south east end is the lighthouse, gold mine ruins, and many small beaches and coves against a stark rocky landscape. In the midst of it is a neat cliff that drops to a ledge along the ocean side as seen below.
Farther north are the land bridges and a number of small pockets or coves, some of which make neat little private swimming holes. Another find along the shore is a cave pool hidden well down a rocky cliff – a ladder is provided to get down to it and it if not busy, it can be a cool shallow hollow to spend some time in. Much farther along northern shore going west are the natural bridges.
Another neat gem is an area called Casibari where there appear to be boulders just dropped at random. They make for a fun climb and provide some interesting cave type structures as rock lay on top of rocks. There is a decent view from the top of these boulders.
Arikok National Park is a great place to see but take a 4×4 if you want to get to the natural pool. Although the claim is you can walk the path, I think you may need a few canteens of water and some stamina to do it. Even the drive is a bit crazy although the tour groups don’t seem to slow down any. There are many stairs to get down to the pool, but it is neat to see – just try and catch it between tour busses. The caves and Boca Prins are accessible without a 4×4, but the roads are rough although certainly not as bad as the one to the pool. At one of the caves is a small river/pond with fish where you can get a free foot exfoliation too.
Downtown offers some interesting things to see and do including the Atalntis Submarine Reef Tour, Trolly tour, clock tower museum, and archeological museum (free). The view from the clock tower is worth climb as seen here.
Of course there are the beaches as well with Eagle and Baby Beach being some of the more popular ones. Sunsets on Eagle Beach are great.
There are some hidden beach gems along the southern shore so it is worth the drive with periodic stops to see what is there. Mango Halto is another cool spot with a cliff side view that is beautiful, several stairs to get down, a dock, and a small beach area – a must see.
Along the way to Baby Beach is a local area where many murals can be found and it is worth a stop – even the police building is decorated with murals. Benches too can be found decorated in tile with beautiful images. There are at least 100 different murals, decorated benches, and sculptures and if you get tired of that, try the Caribbean Kitchen.
The only real draw back to visiting is perhaps the cost. Although Aruba has its own currency, everything with be billed in USD. For many, this isn’t an issue but even the USD prices for groceries, liquor, and restaurants are rather high. Save more was one of the better places to shop for most grocery items while Changs was good for liquor and/or beer. Even the fuel price seemed a bit higher than it should be. So if your looking for a cheap vacation, this won’t be it. It’s still a beautiful place to check out although it seems “one happy island” may have been overstated.